Safety Tips for Walking Dogs at Night

Walking your dog in the fall and winter can be challenging. Not only are the temperatures colder and the weather not always pleasant, but it also starts getting darker much earlier. As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, you may find that walking your dog at night is something you can't avoid. While walking with your dog after dark can be a fun adventure, nighttime also brings potential hazards that regular safety practices aren't enough to address on their own. Ensure a safe walk for you and your dog by following these tips for dog walking in the evenings.

Challenges of Walking Dog at Night

Walking your dog after dark brings challenges that you don't typically have to deal with during the day. Not only is it harder to see where you and your dog are going, but it's also harder for you to be seen by drivers, joggers, bike riders, and other types of traffic. All of which greatly increase the risk of accidents and/or injury. Whether you're walking on city sidewalks or country roads, predators (both the four-legged and two-legged variety) can also be a concern.

Less dangerous animals that come out at night may also pose a problem. While your dog might be conditioned to ignore common daytime wildlife, such as squirrels or rabbits, the novelty of seeing and smelling a raccoon or opossum might excite your pup so much that he becomes difficult to control. This could lead to a disaster if he manages to get out of his collar or yank the leash out of your hands.

Dog Walking Safety

Practicing proper night safety can not only reduce the risks associated with walking your dog at night, but also help you and your dog feel more confident about going on walks after dark. Here are some safety tips you can follow, broken down by category.

Increasing Visibility

To increase your own ability to see, consider wearing a headlamp, like those worn by climbers and cavers, instead of carrying a flashlight. This will free your hands to better control your pooch and also allow you to pick up after him without compromising your vision or grip on the leash. Beyond this, it's also important that drivers and cyclists see you at night. When it comes to increasing visibility for you and your pup, avoid wearing dark clothing and, if possible, stick to well-lit sidewalks and pathways. Here are some additional items you can use to make you really stand out:

• Reflective gear, including reflective vests, wrist and leg bands for both yourself and your dog, a reflective collar and leash, reflective dog tags
• A light-up leash and collar
• Light-up shoes for yourself
• Wearable lights that attach to your dog's collar or harness
• Glow sticks, or bracelets and necklaces made out of neon lights

Traffic Considerations

Even with plenty of light and reflective surfaces, you should still exercise caution when it comes to traffic. Keep an eye on approaching cars and be ready to move out of the way of those who aren't keeping an eye out for you. If you have to walk in the street, be sure to walk against oncoming traffic instead of moving with it, so you can see cars coming down the road. Try to stick to areas that are well-lit and offer plenty of visibility for both you and passing traffic.

Encountering Predators

One of the scariest things about walking at night is the potential of meeting a predator. Depending on where you live, potential dangers might include coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, or even bears. There can also be a risk of running into people who are up to no good. If possible, use the buddy system and bring a friend or family member along on your walk. If your dog is large enough to be intimidating, you might feel that he's enough to fend off any potential attackers, but keep in mind that, as his guardian, it's your job to protect him, too. Consider any potential predators you might run into and how to best defend yourself and your dog from an attack. Arm yourself accordingly, such as carrying a can of bear spray if you're walking in bear country, for example.

Other Things to Consider

While there's no need to be fearful while walking your dog after dark, it's important to stay on guard and remain alert. This means leaving the headphones at home, advises Dogster. And while you should bring a fully charged phone with you in case of emergencies, be sure you're paying attention to your dog and your surroundings and not to your phone screen.

Because dogs tend to be hypersensitive to the moods and attitudes of their people, your dog might pick up on your heightened awareness, which could make him more excitable than usual. Between this and the added excitement of seeing or smelling nocturnal wildlife, it's very important to keep control of your dog to prevent him from running into traffic or getting lost as he chases after a critter that catches his attention. If you normally give him a long lead or use a retractable leash during the day, for evening walks you should switch to a shorter lead and keep him close to you at all times.

While evening walks with your best four-legged friend can be a lot of fun and something you look forward to at the end of the day, staying alert and safety conscious doesn't have to put a damper on your enjoyment. Staying visible to others and aware of your surroundings will go a long way to ensure your night walks will remain enjoyable. Being prepared to handle any potential trouble that approaches yourself or your dog can actually make you more confident, an attitude that will help your dog relax and enjoy this special time he gets to spend with you.